PrintFebruary 13, 2007
Why I support Mitt Romney
Some conservatives have been quick to criticize Mitt Romney for his past comments regarding homosexuals and abortion in particular, and have pointed out that Romney has changed his stand on those and other issues in recent years. Critics say that Romney has "flip-flopped" on the issues.
Romney is not "flip-flopping" as some claim. He has genuinely changed his mind after careful consideration and listening to those who have made such a tremendous effort to alter his thinking. If he were "flip-flopping" we would see him change again and again. One change does not constitute a "flip-flop" and in this case should be cause for rejoicing.
What is the point fo rallying activists to write letters, send faxes, make phone calls, complain on talk shows, and make a lot of noise about an issue? Simple - to bring about change.
It is clear to me that Romney's change on some very important issues is a wonderful thing. It shows that there is hope, and that it is worth the time and effort of grass-roots activists to bring about change. In this case, the hard work and effort paid off. That is a good thing, not something that should bring about fear.
I have known Mitt Romney since 1980 when I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons") in Massachusetts. At that time he was a church leader. Since then I have observed him carefully in many settings. I have never agreed with him on every issue, but I do agree with him most of the time, and find that he is more in line with my views than any other candidate.
Some of his critics are using my past news stories and commentaries to support their claim that Romney is to be feared. There were times during the planning stages of the 2002 Olympics when Romney would not let the Boy Scouts participate in an official capacity. I wrote some news stories about the issue at the time. Later I also wrote a commentary about Romney that pointed to some of his political methods that I disagreed with.
In October of 2006 I wrote a commentary in which I countered the critics who are opposed to Romney simply because he is a Mormon. In that commentary I stated that Romney is the best choice for president.
I want a president who will listen to all sides of an argument and is not afraid to change his mind if it is the right thing to do. I want a president who is honest and fair, and firm in his resolve to do what is best for our country at all times.
I want a president who understands how to handle the many political factions and issues that effect each issue so he can bring all sides together for the best good of the country. I want a skilled negotiator, but one who can also be tough as nails when it is necessary to do so.
I want a president with standards and values that are as clean as a whistle. I want to know that the promises made during a campaign will be kept when he is sworn into office.
Would I vote for any Mormon just because I am a Mormon? Never! Mormon or otherwise, the person I vote for has to win my support based on their stands on the issues and their personal values, not their religious affiliation.
I have never heard or seen Mitt Romney say or do one thing with one group and then turn around and say or do something different when he is in a different setting. I have seen many, many politicians do that time and time again - but not Mitt Romney.
He is a man of integrity, high values, and has the knowledge and experience necessary to bring our country through the tough times that may await us in the years ahead. I trust him, and I hope and pray that those who care so much about conservative issues will understand that the fact that Mitt Romney has changed his stands on some key issues is something to be celebrated, not feared.
David M. Bresnahan is an independent investigative journalist, and public relations consultant. He maintains a website.
